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Segars: King's journey must live on in fight for economic equality

Posted January 17, 2005; 05:30 p.m.

by Eric Quiñones

Americans must continue to embrace Martin Luther King Jr.'s spirit of
compassion and fairness as the country struggles with a widening gulf
between its richest and poorest citizens, Yvonne Smith Segars, the state
of New Jersey public defender, said in the keynote address at Princeton
University's annual King Day
ceremony.

"At the core of the American dream is Dr. King's dream of equality
and justice that has burned like an eternal flame," she said. But
Segars, whose office provides attorneys for indigent clients statewide,
emphasized that the country's growing economic disparity prevents too
many people from being able to realize that dream.

Evoking the theme of the University's Jan. 17 ceremony -- the continuing
journey of King's work -- Segars told the audience to "please dedicate
part of your time learning to study the consequences for all of America
of the growing disparity between the rich and the poor. Pay attention
to those who are less fortunate."

Noting the global response to the recent Indian Ocean tsunami, Segars
said, "We need to reach out and help others in need -- not just when
their pain is vividly portrayed across TV screens and in newspapers. We
need to look around in our own communities and see and react to the suffering
of others less fortunate that is occurring right now. We must extend a
helping hand and compassion for our neighbors."

Segars, a defense attorney for 17 years, has led the public defender's
office since September 2002. She has championed the establishment of drug
courts in New Jersey, which give non-violent drug offenders a chance to
enter highly supervised treatment programs as an alternative to prison.

The public defender's office, which was opened in 1967 at the height
of the civil rights movement, is responsible for "ensuring that the
poor, the disenfranchised and the marginalized men, women and children
of our society get a voice," Segars said.

By protecting the rights of the poor, the public defender's office is
emblematic of the work people can do to emulate King's philosophy.

"He knew that equality and justice can never wait," Segars
said. "Since we never know when our own journey will end, we should
always be guided by Dr. King's example. ... We must walk with hearts of
compassion."

Segars' address was one of the highlights of the annual King Day celebration,
which included the presentation of awards to essay, poster and video contest
winners
from area schools and to two winners of the University's first MLK
Day Journey Award. Robert Durkee, vice president and secretary of
the University, and Dylan Tatz, a junior from New York City, were presented
with the Journey Awards by President Shirley M. Tilghman, honoring their
efforts to continue the journey to achieve King's vision for America.

In her introductory remarks, Tilghman said, "All of us have an obligation to continue the journey on which Dr. King embarked with so much courage, faith and generosity.

"We may not be tested in the way the Freedom Riders were in 1961 or the Selma-to-Montgomery marchers were in 1965, but there are occasions in our lives when we are confronted with injustice," she added. "In framing our response to this injustice, the example of Dr. King can guide us, reminding us that love is more powerful than hatred."